New Delhi: Consensus still eludes in the Congress Party on inducting poll strategist Prashant Kishor to a key decision making role.
Aiming revival of the party ahead of the 2024 General Elections, Kishore has given a number of suggestions which triggered a discussion in the party as some leaders have reservations over his plan of action.
When asked about reason for disagreement over giving Kishor a prominent role, one of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) members told ETV Bharat Kishor wanted Congress to take an aggressive stand against BJP in the upcoming elections, which was strongly opposed by a section of leaders.
"Kishor is of the view that to defeat BJP, we have to take an aggressive stand just like them. The current day's politics is entirely different from the past and we have to accept it. But some of the senior leaders are still of the view that a neutral stand is better than an aggressive strategy," the leader said.
It is being learnt that the leaders who objected his plan are majorly of 'G-23', a group of 23 dissidents which had written a letter to Congress President demanding an organisational overhaul. They are of the view that any position of prominence should be given to the existing members of the party, not to an outsider, as there is "enough talent" within the party.
READ: CWC to decide on Prashant Kishor's induction, organizational overhaul
One of the G23 leaders said that the majority of the suggestions given by Prashant Kishor are quite similar to the ones which were mentioned in their letter to the Congress President, including setting up of a Parliamentary Board for the party. According to the leader, Kishor has only suggested a new name, that of "empowered group of leaders". He also said that Kishor has suggested the party to strengthen state and district committees, which was also mentioned in their letter.
Congress President had constituted a committee of three senior leaders, including A.K. Antony, Ambika Soni and K.C. Venugopal, and given them the responsibility to consult some of the top leaders regarding Kishor's induction not just as an advisor but also as a party member with power the of decision-making.
Members of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) which is the highest decision-making body in the party, were also being asked to share their views over the matter. According to the sources, the three-member committee has completed its exercise of consultation with the senior leaders and now it is up to the Congress President to take a final call.
READ: Congress divided over Prashant Kishor's entry, decision rests with Sonia Gandhi
"Kishor is of the view that to defeat BJP, we have to take an aggressive stand just like them. The current day's politics is entirely different from the past and we have to accept it. But some of the senior leaders are still of the view to maintain a neutral stand and not to go against BJP in an aggressive manner," the leader said.
It has been informed that Kishor has made it clear that he is keen to join Congress not as a political consultant but as a member. However, what role he would be given is yet to be decided by the party high command.
